“Jesse Eisenberg’s character goes from working in his father’s Bronx jewelry store to Hollywood’s cabaret business. Kristen Stewart plays a secretary who hits wealth and success. Steve Carell’s a big agent with Garbo, Tracy, Lombard, Bette Davis-type clients. And Blake Lively’s role is of an elegant divorcée who’s into cafe life.

“I shot lots here. I love sleeping at home, not in a hotel. I know the city, the spots. But its rules frustrate. Some areas you can’t film for a long period. Forced to leave scenes unfinished, you then have to double back again later.

“I work inexpensively. I could’ve saved money, which I could’ve then put into the movie itself. For instance, Cleveland or North Carolina’s cheaper, but you work where the project dictates. Out of town’s intrusive. They mob you. In this town, they’re sophisticated. They just walk past. Only New York has New York flavor.

“A problem here was no hangout nightclubs to use. Riviera, Toots Shor’s, all gone. I investigated every spot possible. We had to build an upstairs-downstairs classic Manhattan saloon, with a striped background like the old El Morocco, in a Bronx garage. You’ll be amazed. We built a glamorous, big-time club from empty space. Not one inch of it is real.

“That world’s all finished. Who stays out late anymore? Now people are home streaming. Working computers, phones. No nightlife. It’s all gone.”

“Café Society” has a private screening July 13 and opens July 15.

Unconventional lodging

Hysteria for the conventions is hotels. Donors, delegates, etc., booked every possible room on this continent. They’re sticking Philadelphia people in motels as close as Delaware . . .

Moving to a new London flat, “Game of Thrones” Emmy nominee Diana Rigg carting boxes in taxis . . .

Bits & pieces

Between B’way and West End on 72nd, in front of Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar, Yoko Ono being helped from a black limo. Three aides aided her . . .

So ask what Salman Rushdie did all those long years in hiding. Write something historic? He’ll answer: “No. I spent time playing Nintendo” . . .

Val Kilmer, whom we haven’t seen in a film lately, is back to do a movie in New York.

Obama finally realizes how serious our huge deficit is. Unwilling to appear friendly enough for an e-mail, word is on election night he might send the new president a congratulatory telegram — collect.